Egypt's foreign minister said Cairo is not looking for a new ally to replace the United States after talks with a high-level Russian delegation on November 14.

Nabil Fahmy said the meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is an "activation" of existing ties with Moscow. He said Egypt seeks cooperation with Moscow "in multiple fields" because of Russia's "international significance."

Lavrov called the meeting "historic" and said Moscow wants a "stable Egypt with a prosperous economy and an efficient political system."

Interfax quoted an official at Russia's Rosoboron arms exporter as saying there are no plans to sign big military contracts during the Cairo talks.

U.S.-Egyptian relations were strained after the military's ouster of President Muhammad Morsi in July, and Washington cut part of its $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt.